of us gardeners spend a great deal of time wandering aimlessly in the shady wilderness searching for something colorful. We know perfectly well that green is a fascinating color, perfect unto itself. But yet, many of us still want something more vibrant. This is not a problem in spring, because there are plenty of hellebores, … Read more
I have always been extremely impressionable. Last weekend I watched video adaptations of some of English author P.G. Wodehouse’s hilarious short stories, featuring the ultimate upper class wastrel, Bertie Wooster, and his indispensible valet, Jeeves. I was so impressed with Jeeves’ impeccable housekeeping standards that for the next two days I had the bed made, … Read more
The weather for the last few days has been as gray and sticky as the slugs it seems to generate. The most pervasive scent in my dripping garden is the smell of honeysuckle drifting over from the neighbors’ yard. I let my nose revel in the sweet fragrance, even though I have done my best … Read more
TOO MUCH, TOO FAST This is the time of year when the garden is a rampaging torrent of growth. Plants—cultivated and wild—are increasing with reckless abandon, vying with each other in Darwinian attempts to attract as many pollinators as possible. Every day I pull out handfuls of garlic mustard, chickweed, immature pokeweed and other noxious … Read more
Unless you have been on another planet for the past few months, you have probably heard at least snatches of the infectious song, “Happy,” by artist Pharrell Williams. It may or may not be your kind of music, but it makes an awful lot of people all around the world want to dance. I am … Read more
